Parents gain insight into child behavior by observing other children. They observe how other parents and the professional teachers handle various situations and gain greater understanding and enjoyment of their own children through active participation in their education. They have the opportunity to share their experiences and expertise with others while working together in a cooperative setting. Through serving on the Board, parents learn about administration, running meetings and other skills useful to them in other areas and states of their lives. They also learn useful ideas for helping their children at home and in the world around them.

Children participate in a supervised play and learning experience with children of their own age. Equipment, materials and physical facilities are scaled to child size. An opportunity is provided to interact with adults other than their own parents. The children are able to find security and a feeling of belonging in a world which is nonthreatening and interested in them. Learning to respect and accept the rights and differences of others is emphasized. Children have hands-on experiences in creative arts, music, science, literature, and language geared to their needs and developmental level.

Every family type is welcome.

Families are required to volunteer in the classroom on an as needed basis which works out to about once per month. Parent volunteers spend the day with the class of children and help the teacher guide learning and play. Caregivers are responsible for bringing the day’s snack to share. Volunteers can be any adult member from the child’s care circle, but must pass a back ground check to be in the classroom. We have a mix of stay-at-home parents, full time working parents, nannies, grandparents, etc that are a regular part of our volunteers. Children love to share their world with the people that love them most, and Lafayette Park Preschool has enjoyed generations of parents and children within its walls.